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December 7, 2010
Savoring the spirit of the season in Germany
Now that the holiday season is in full swing, I’m looking forward to those annual family traditions—such as baking my grandmother’s ginger cookies—that put me in the Christmas spirit. And while I’m not an avid shopper, I always love finding just the right gift for each person on my list.
Some of my fondest gift-shopping experiences have been in Germany, where many Christmas traditions originated and continue to thrive in modern times. And nowhere is the country’s Old World charm and seasonal spirit more evident—or pleasurable—than in its annual holiday markets, which literally light up German cities and towns throughout Advent. So much more than places to shop, these centuries-old, community celebrations are simply festivals for the senses …
I vividly remember strolling among the tented stalls at Cologne’s bustling Christkindlmarkt, where strings of glittering white lights created a fanciful glow around the colorful wooden toys, ornaments, and candles on display … the spicy scent of freshly baked gingerbread filled the crisp air among the aisles … a stirring chorus of kids’ laughter, chiming church bells, and live Oom-pah-pah band music enveloped the square … all as I warmed my hands and satisfied my taste buds with a cup of hot mulled wine, and the market’s tall Christmas tree stood luminescent against the blue night sky and towering cathedral.
I also enjoyed speaking with some of the friendly local merchants—in the market itself and at family-owned shops nearby—whose unique handcrafts and pride in their work have been handed down through several generations. And whenever I bought something, they wrapped it carefully in brown paper with string, which seems so much more personal and less commercial than shopping at a typical chain store. Just thinking back to the joyously traditional atmosphere of this and other European Christmas markets—some of which are featured on our Holiday River Cruises—it’s impossible not to get into the holiday spirit!
If you’ve ever had a memorable holiday experience during your own travels, I’d love to hear more about it. Share your comments below this Journal entry, or email me directly at harriet@gct.com.
Looking ahead to the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011, we’ll spotlight our popular Land Vacations in Britain, Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. If you’ve explored any—or all—of these destinations with Grand Circle, I invite you to share your stories and pictures with me at harriet@gct.com.
Harriet Lewis